Tuesday E-mail - June 8, 2010

What Is The Chamber Doing For You?


HST Seminar – Are You HST Ready?

Due to the many questions businesses in our area have about the upcoming implementation of the HST, the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Pointe au Baril Chamber of Commerce to have two information sessions delivered by the Canada Revenue Agency.

The information seminars, “Transition to Harmonized Sales Tax - Information for Businesses” will be held on June 15, 2010 at the Pointe au Baril Community Centre, 70 South Shore Road, Pointe au Baril. Each session is approximately 2.5 hours in length, from 1 pm – 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm – 9 pm.

Registration is required. A registration list will be sent in from the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce and everyone is encouraged to let us know if they plan to attend so that we can ensure these sessions are maximized. (contact: info@parrysoundchamber.ca or 705-746-4213)

To register directly with the government, please send an email to Sudbury_outreach_visibilite@cra-arc.gc.ca indicating the name of each attendee in your party, time of the session you wish to attend, and the contact phone number in case the session is completely filled.

Please note that all registrations are considered confirmed at the time they are sent to the outreach email address. You will only be contacted in the case of a change or a cancellation.
If you register and then find that you cannot attend, please email Sudbury_outreach_visibilite@cra-arc.gc.ca.


Upcoming Business After Hours (BAH) Dates

• Big Sound Marina, June 25, 5 pm to 6 pm
• Delta Rocky Crest Resort, July 14, 5 pm to 6 pm
• Rosseau Road Power Sports and Marine, August 25, 5 pm to 6 pm

Please RSVP to info@parrysoundchamber.ca or call (705) 746-4213 to confirm your attendance for any Business After Hours. We look forward to seeing you there!


What’s Happening In Our Community?


Parry Sound Area Dragon’s Den Information Session

In preparation for this fall’s Dragon’s Den Event for local innovators, the Regional Economic Development Advisory Committee (REDAC) and partners will be hosting an information session on June 24, 2010 at 6:30 pm at the Rosseau Memorial Community Hall, 2 Victoria Street in the Village of Rosseau.

This session will allow entrepreneurs to gain an initial idea of what to expect when applying to present to the Parry Sound Area Dragons. The Parry Sound Area Dragon’s Den will entertain applications from anyone who has a business or expansion idea that needs private capital investment of $10,000 or more. Everyone is welcome, whether you already have a business or just a brilliant idea!

The Parry Sound Area Dragon’s Den will be held on Friday October 15, 2010 at the Charles W. Stockey Centre. For more information or to RSVP for the information session (by June 20th) please contact Kirsten LeDrew at kledrew@townofparrysound.com or 705-746-2101 ext. 39.

This event is funded in part by the Parry Sound Area Community Business and Development Centre in support of economic development in West Parry Sound.


2010 Ontario Tourism Summit

Registration and Nominations are open for the 2010 Tourism Summit, being held November 7-9, at Deerhurst in Huntsville. The Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (OTMPC) and the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) are co-hosting the 6th annual Summit with the theme “Taking it to the Next Level”.

The annual forum for the Ontario tourism industry anticipates that more than 400 delegates will participate in sharing the latest trends, being exposed to new ideas and best practices, and networking with colleagues.

Visit http://www.ontariotourismsummit.com/ for more information or to register. Early Bird registration rates are available.


OSSA Reminder: New Legislation Tackles Workplace Violence and Harassment

Bill 168, an Act to amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act with respect to violence and harassment in the workplace and other matters, will significantly impact workplaces in the province of Ontario.

The amendments to the Act will come into force on June 15, 2010, at which time, workplaces in Ontario where more than five workers are regularly employed will be required to have the necessary policies, programs, measures and procedures in place.
Visit: www.ossa.com/content/resources/Bill168-WorkplaceViolence.cfm for downloadable resources that will help your business ensure it is informed and meeting it’s legal obligations.


Canada-US Trade Webinar

For businesses currently engaged in, or expect to expand trade with the United States, “Export USA Webinar: Starter Kit (or Refresher) for Exporters”, is for you. Hosted by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) on Wednesday, June 23, 1:00 to 2:00 pm, this webinar will give businesses the ABC’s of exporting to the US and provide tips on becoming ‘a global trade guru: Mastering the Art of U.S. Logistics and Trade Compliance’. Along with presentations, there will also be a question and answer session to address specific issues or concerns.

This webinar will help businesses:
• Learn how to level the playing field against US competitors by selling on a duty delivered basis; • Find out which Customs compliance and documentation requirements need to be met so that products reach customers without disruption; and
• Get the solutions to logistics challenges, including tips on how to reduce international transportation costs.

The US is the dominant export market for Ontario goods; getting an inside track on how to conduct business in the US is vital for business success. The Canada – US border facilitates over $1 million in cross border trade every minute.

And as Canada’s US trade leader, Ontario exports to the US support one in four jobs. The Windsor-Detroit region is also the busiest international border crossing in the world. To learn more about this webinar and to register, please visit the DFAIT website at www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/eng/webinars.jsp?marketId=all.


What Are Our Members Doing?


Sound Software Change of Address

Adrian Averhoff and the Sound Software Team have a new mailing address! The have moved to 22 Avenue Road, Parry Sound or as always, online at http://www.soundsoftware.ca/.


The Country Gourmet Renovated and Re-Open
Congratulations to Chris & Jim Shaw on their recent improvements to the Country Gourmet. The restaurant looks great!